The transfer race for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram will intensify over the course of the next month as his current contract expires in 2023. Thuram has attracted plenty of interest from Europe's top clubs and will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a club outside of Germany in January.
Thuram, 25, is currently in Qatar with the France national team for the World Cup after being named as a late addition to Didier Deschamps' squad. The striker is second choice behind Kylian Mbappe after Karim Benzema's injury but has only featured for 28 minutes.
Son of French defender Lillian Thuram, the Gladbach striker has scored 12 goals and added four assists this season with only Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku scoring more goals in Germany. His fine form in front of goal has seen Arsenal and Liverpool linked, but the Gunners have been handed a huge blow.
READ MORE: Edu told why Arsenal must beat Tottenham to £13m Youri Tielemans transfer alternative
With the January transfer window approaching, talk of Thuram's future has continued to increase. After Sports Bild reported that Monchengladbach have searched for replacements for Thuram, Italian broadcaster Sport Mediaset have claimed Bayern Munich have offered a 'lucrative' five-year deal for the forward.
The Bundesliga giants are renowned for snapping up the league's best players from their rivals, with Robert Lewandowski (Dortmund), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Niklas Sule (Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Benjamin Pavard (Stuttgart) and Mats Hummels (Dortmund) all perfect examples.
However, unlike Arsenal, Bayern are unable to seal a deal next month due to transfer rules. The Gunners, from January, are open to begin talks with Thuram once the January window opens over a free transfer in January while any German sides have to wait until the summer.
Monchengladbach coach Oliver Neuville has already admitted that the difficulty of keeping Thuram, calling the chances of the club retaining his services as 'slim'. He said: "He’s having an amazing season. He’s scored a lot of goals. I think it will be difficult for him to stay at Gladbach," he told Radio Sportiva.
"If he continues to score so many goals, it’s certain he’ll have many offers from Italy, Spain and England. We must also be a little realistic. I hope he will still be here for a long time in Monchengladbach. But now he’s been called up by French for the World Cup, it will be difficult for him to extend. I hope (he stays). But the chances are slim."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal given title boost as Thomas Partey's early World Cup return confirmed
Arsenal announce £10.4m profit as Edu begins exciting process to fund future transfers
William Saliba sends Arsenal teammate Gabriel Jesus Brazil plea amid potential World Cup clash
Bellingham could impact Arsenal's transfer plans amid Liverpool's £42m hijack
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
